What are my chances?

[gobucks87]

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Hi guys,

I've applied to both MD and DO schools already, but was just wondering what my chances were.

MCAT 500
uCGPA: 3.11
uSGPA: 2.97
oCGPA: 3.55
oSGPA: 3.10
gGPA: 3.94

I'm currently getting a MPH and I have a lot of extracurricular activities with leadership positions included.

Examples: Medical mission trips abroad, ~1500 hrs of work as PCT (and counting), <500 hrs of shadowing, leadership positions in student government in both undergrad and grad school.

I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks!

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Excuse my ignorance; what does the "o" stand for in your fourth & fifth listed gpa's?

 

[gobucks87]

No worries! I meant "overall" as in combined undergraduate and graduate GPA. 🙂

 

[Ehwic]

From my understanding, MD schools consider medical mission trips as a form of vacation rather than any "meaningful" experiences. Your MPH GPA does not help for MD schools. What MD schools will look at are your MCAT scores and your uGPA/usGPA.

For DO schools, that MPH I believe is looked upon favorably and I believe they combine your grad and undergrad gpa together. Even so, your MCAT is a little low.

Overall, I would think slim pickings for MD (unless you have an amazing story to tell). DO is within bottom percentile range-not saying it's impossible, but to apply broadly.

 

[Peach Newport]

A few things...
1) to my knowledge, DO schools screen based on AACOMAS overall average GPA, not undergrad GPA. I never did grade replacement (just a master's) and one year I was screened out, the next I wasn't.
2) A few MD schools (not the top ones) will totally consider an applicant with a great graduate GPA and a terrible undergraduate GPA. However, an MPH is a bit less impressive. The problem here for MD is not the GPA or the MPH, the problem is the MCAT.
3) Unless You're a URM, no MD will touch you with a 500 MCAT. It's just not happening (I'm sure AAMC posts stats of like 15% acceptance. You will not be in that 15%). Don't waste your money on MD unless you retake the MCAT and crush it.
4) Your chances are pretty decent for DO, but not the ones that like high MCATs.

 

[gobucks87]

Your undergraduate science GPA is going to get you auto screened from schools. You need to think about grade replacement to boost your sgpa to at least a 3.2. Why did you go the MPH route?

I went the MPH route because it was something I was genuinely interested in and something that I'm passionate about. I fully intend on utilizing it as a part of my career in medicine. 🙂 And as a bonus, I thought it would be a good back-up plan in case things with medical school didn't work out. I knew going in that they incorporated the graduate GPA in DO schools, so I figured it would be useful. Also, just in case anyone was wondering, I decided to go the MPH route before medical school because during my last year of undergrad, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do PA school or medical school, and wanted to do something meaningful with my gap year(s) that would provide a GPA increase, back-up plan, and most importantly, something I was actually passionate about. 🙂 In hindsight, and according to many people, however, I should have done a post-bacc, and I completely realize that. Just wasn't sure what route I was going to take for the field of medicine. So if I don't get into medical school this time around, I will 100% be doing a post-bacc this coming year. Thanks for your input!!

 

[gobucks87]

A few things...
1) to my knowledge, DO schools screen based on AACOMAS overall average GPA, not undergrad GPA. I never did grade replacement (just a master's) and one year I was screened out, the next I wasn't.
2) A few MD schools (not the top ones) will totally consider an applicant with a great graduate GPA and a terrible undergraduate GPA. However, an MPH is a bit less impressive. The problem here for MD is not the GPA or the MPH, the problem is the MCAT.
3) Unless You're a URM, no MD will touch you with a 500 MCAT. It's just not happening (I'm sure AAMC posts stats of like 15% acceptance. You will not be in that 15%). Don't waste your money on MD unless you retake the MCAT and crush it.
4) Your chances are pretty decent for DO, but not the ones that like high MCATs.

Thanks so much. It's nice to know that there's someone out there that got their master's as well. 🙂 I've been a little more interested in the DO philosophy and methodology so I suppose I'm more interested in understanding my chances at DO schools. I've applied pretty broadly so I'm hoping I can get in somewhere. I really appreciate your input!

 

[Shotapp]

Your usgpa is going to be scrutinized the most. Your graduate GPA is not going to help much since it wasn't a masters in biomedical science (not saying that your mph isn't a major step up from your past academic record).

 

[Mr. D.O.five]

How's the app cycle going for you now? Did you just submit your primary? IMO, I think your GPA is lethal for MD and DO and your MCAT is lethal for MD and near-lethal for DO. I'd suggest taking the MCAT again and applying next cycle. Also, take a lot of science courses to boost your sGPA.

 

[gobucks87]

How's the app cycle going for you now? Did you just submit your primary? IMO, I think your GPA is lethal for MD and DO and your MCAT is lethal for MD and near-lethal for DO. I'd suggest taking the MCAT again and applying next cycle. Also, take a lot of science courses to boost your sGPA.

I submitted my primary a while ago, in June ! I've received secondaries from almost every school I applied to. The ones I haven't received one from have simply not sent me one yet (could be a silent rejection however). I know most MD schools don't screen, but for those who screen for DO schools, I've received a secondary back. I've applied to 16 DO schools, and attempted to apply broadly, so we'll see what happens. 🙂

Thank you for your advice! If I don't get in this time, I'll be sure to incorporate this advice for the next cycle.

 

[poloboy]

I'd say apply to as many DO schools as you can afford this cycle. I've seen people getting into DO schools with your stats.

If you love medicine, keep going for it. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. You'll get in somewhere. Good luck!

 

[gobucks87]

I'd say apply to as many DO schools as you can afford this cycle. I've seen people getting into DO schools with your stats.

If you love medicine, keep going for it. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. You'll get in somewhere. Good luck!

I've applied to about 16 and have submitted most of the secondaries so here's to hoping that I get in somewhere! I'll continue to see if there are other DO programs I can apply to. Thank you so much. I appreciate your confidence!! 🙂